Australia Independent Film Festival

Australia Independent Film Festival |AIFF| returns bigger, bolder and more brilliant than ever, showcasing the very best Australian and international short films, documentaries, animations, experimental films and more at Palace Cinemas James Street from October 31 to November 1.

Brisbane’s largest short film festival, AIFF is your front-row ticket to a world of captivating stories, stunning cinematography, and raw creative talent from Australia and across the globe.

Join filmmakers, cinephiles, and creatives in celebration of the art of short film in its most powerful form — from gripping drama and cutting-edge animation to daring documentaries and wild experimental gems. Held in the heart of Brisbane at the state of the art Palace Cinemas James Street this year, AIFF promises unforgettable screenings, industry networking, and the electric buzz of cinematic discovery. 

AROUND THE WORLD (18+) - AIFF 2025 kicks off with a bang  with the opening night celebrations on Friday, October 31! The film journey starts in Queensland, before travelling around the world with some of the very best international shorts from near and far. The bar will be stocked, so grab a drink, sit back and enjoy a stellar night of films. Screening Session one. Bar @ 5.00 PM- Doors @ 6.15 pm Screening @ 6.30pm - 9.30 pm (approx.) A $22.50 Conc. $17.50

SEQ FUTURE STARS (15+) - . In the first for a SEQ student film festival category a panel of industry professionals and respected community members will adjudicate each finalist film as it is live screened. The session will conclude with a very special awards ceremony. About Queensland students for Queensland students. Screening Session two. November 1.Doors @ 10.45 pm. Screening @ 11am - 12.45 PM (approx.). Awards @ 1.00PM - 1,30 PM (approx.). A $17.50 Conc $15

FREE THE SOFA SESSION - The free, all-ages Sofa Session includes a selection of world-class animations and short films that will bring the whole family together for a fun afternoon. This is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Brisbane City Council and Screen Queensland. Screening Session three. November 1. Doors @ 1:45 PM. Screening @ 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM (approx.). Free (ticket required).

KEEPING IT REAL (15+) - Documentary lovers, this session is for you! Dedicated to some amazing true stories sourced from all corners of the World, as well as a few from our own backyard. you don’t want to miss this opportunity to see some unique stories on screen. Screening Session four. November 1. Doors @ 3.15 pm. Screening @ 3.30 pm - 5.30 pm (approx.)​A $17.50 Conc $15

HOME GROWN AUSTRALIAN SHORTS & award ceremony (18+) - Last but definitely not least, AIFF will present some of the very best shorts from Brisbane, Queensland, and across Australia. With a session full of thought-provoking stories, the festival will finish on a high on this night of nights! Screening Session five.Nov 1. Doors @ 5:45 pm.Screening @ 6.00pm - 9:00pm (approx.). ​A $22.50 Conc $17.50

AFTERPARTY - Osbourne Hotel - Straight after the screening, celebrate the best of the best with the awards ceremony before heading around the corner to the official afterparty venue, the iconic Osbourne Hotel, to send off AIFF25 in style. Flash your ticket then eat, drink, and party the night away with 10% off food and drinks.

Australian Independent Film Festival is a valued partner of Must Do Brisbane.com